Oxford gym owner defies ban
Soliciting donations to pay possible fines
A defiant gym owner in Oxford is challenging Gov. Charlie Baker’s ban on fitness studios opening early and is welcoming back his members while urging others to do the same.
“Enough is enough,” Prime Fitness & Nutrition owner Dave Blondin said on Tuesday, a day after reopening during Phase 1 of the state’s get-back-to-work plan. “We need our sanity back.
“Gyms should join me,” he added. “Every gym owner is essential.”
But Oxford officials are promising to enforce the state’s order that prohibits gyms until Phase 3 — setting up a potential showdown between the town and Blondin.
The gym owner told the Herald his members have his back.
“They’re so happy and smiling being able to work out again,” Blondin said. “It’s so important for their mental health, anxiety, stress, depression. And it takes people away from drugs and alcohol.”
He’s allowing 25 members to work out upstairs and 25 members downstairs, with one-hour time slots.
“They’re all supporting me,” he said.
Officials from Oxford, however, said many residents are concerned about the gym reopening.
“We have received many angry calls and emails from residents calling on the Town to shutter this business immediately,” Town Manager Jennifer Callahan said in a statement. “Let it be clear, the Town will take all measures necessary to ensure compliance, but will follow the procedures outlined by the enforcement guidance.”
Board of Health Agent Thomas Purcell on Monday visited Prime Fitness with police and spoke with Blondin.
“Mr. Blondin made clear he had no intention of complying with the Governor’s Order or waiting until Phase 3 to resume operations,” Purcell said in a statement. “The Board of Health is empowered to ensure compliance with the Governor’s Orders. … We all have a role to play in making this as safe of a reopening as possible.”
Under the state’s enforcement guidance, the town must follow enforcement steps — which begins with a verbal warning and consultation, followed by a written warning, fines, and a cease and desist order.
Fines can go up to $300, and businesses can be fined three times before a cease and desist order is issued.
Baker’s deputy communications director Anisha Chakrabarti said in a statement that others are “playing their part to slow the spread and protect at risk individuals. All businesses have a responsibility to follow the mandatory workplace safety standards.”
Blondin said his members have offered to help pay any fines. A GoFundMe page was launched to accept donations for fines, and extra money raised will be donated to mental health organizations, according to the page.
“We need to stand our ground,” Blondin said. “We have to open our gyms.”